1990 70 hp Johnson-- shifting problems

[Harry J]

This is my first post. I'm hoping some of you outboard experts can diagnose my shifting problems. So, the throttle is very hard to move into forward and reverse. After I finally get it into either, I go to check the prop and see if it is truly in gear by trying to rotate it. When I turn the prop slightly past its initial resistance, I hear a loud noise (like a fairly loud pop or bang) from the lower end. It sounds like by turning the prop past its initial resistance I have forced something into a slot, or maybe into gear. The prop is then in gear.

 

[racerone]

But the motor has to be RUNNING when you shift it.----Or your assistant should be turning the prop when you shift it.----Take is all there is to it.